The museum is run on a voluntary basis, with no regular income from anyone else. We all give our time freely because we love the museum and think it is an important and beautiful thing for Swindon. Perhaps more importantly, we give our time freely because we enjoy ourselves!

Below are some of things we need help with, but the best bet is always to visit, get a taste of the atmosphere and meet the people who already do things here. If you think you might like to get involved, we would love to hear from you, so do get in touch.

​​Digging for FreedomOne of the most popular tasks we have to perform, is looking after the gardens. This involves general maintenance and development tasks throughout the extensive grounds, taking a hands-on role and working with and/or guiding other volunteers. The museum has an extensive range of garden tools, including a ride-on lawn mower. There are no age limits if you wan to join in, and no gardening knowledge or skills are required - we have plenty of people with expertise, and they are always keen to share it. If you fancy getting a bit muddy now and again, or just want to find out more, please contact us.

Team BuildingOne of the things that has proved very popular at the musuem is team-building days for businesses. We have had masses of help from companies like Thames Water, Nationwide and Intel, as well as groups from smaller local companies and organisations such as Rotary clubs. ​There is no charge for these days, but it is always a win-win: we get stacks of volunteer work achieved, and the people involved have a great day out, working in the great outdoors with their colleagues and generally enjoying themselves!

Other rolesThe museum has a long list of other roles (see below) that need the passion and valuable time of volunteers, and we are always looking for people who have something useful to offer as a member of the museum team. But you don't need to be a museum expert - or even know anything about Jefferies - we offer full training and an almost endless supply of tea and biscuits, plus a fun, friendly atmosphere. So, if you are an expert in building, or legal matters, or fundraising, or gardening, or simply enjoy reading good literature, pick up the phone or drop us an email and we can chat about whether the project might be able to offer you something!

​​The roles we have already identified are listed below. If you are interested in any of them, in any way, please contact us. But if you have other ideas, skills or times that you might be able to offer, we would also be interested in hearing from you. Please be aware that the museum is an old building and has three floors with steep staircases but we still have a policy to be as inclusive as is practically possible.

Mother and Toddler Group Assistant. To assist with mother and toddler (aged 0 – 5) group. Help with general duties, making drinks, offering an extra pair of hands. Role would suit a mature lady.

Stewards. To join a small team who greet public visitors and help them find their way around our small, friendly museum. No age limits or special requirements, but volunteers should know that the museum is on three floors with steep stairs. Although the museum is about Richard Jefferies, no knowledge of Jefferies or museums is needed, just an enthusiasm to work with others and interact with the public. Available Times: Second Wednesday each month throughout the year: 10am – 1 pm and/or 1pm – 3pm; and Sundays between early May and later September: 2pm – 5pm.

Catering Assistant/s. To work as part of a team in a small ‘tea shop’, preparing and selling cream teas (with ready-made scones), as well as filter coffee (no cappuccinos etc.) and various other drinks and small snacks. The role will involve the simple preparation and serving of food and drinks. No age limits or special requirements, just an enthusiasm to work with others and interact with the public. Available Times: Second Wednesday each month throughout the year: 10am – 1 pm and/or 1pm – 3pm; and Sundays between early May and later September: 2pm – 5pm.

Grant finder/fundraiser. To work with museum management and Trustees to find possible funding streams and ideas. The role will be essentially computer-based (tasks could be done at home or at the museum) and involve research into what funding opportunities there are and possibly helping to formulate funding strategies and bids in tandem to the museum’s aims and aspirations.

Handyman/woman. To perform general maintenance and development tasks on and around a group of Victorian farm buildings and gardens. No age limits, but some practical skills will be required. However, there are so many different tasks needed that any skill would be an asset from basic woodworking to mixing cement, from painting to basic electrics, or from plumbing to bricklaying.

Cleaner. To perform general cleaning duties around the museum, particularly after the museum has been open or held an event. The cleaning required includes washing of floors and surfaces, collecting rubbish, vacuuming, dusting and polishing, and there is usually washing up that needs to be done too. The museum has a number of rooms, an office, a kitchen, and two toilets that all need regular cleaning. However, the role could just be for certain elements, not necessarily all. No age limits, or special skills required, just an enthusiasm to ‘get stuck in’.Available Times: Mondays and/or Thursdays, anytime between 10am and 4pm; Second Wednesday each month throughout the year: 10am – 1 pm and/or 1pm – 3pm; and Sundays between early May and later September: 2pm – 5pm.